As the healthcare construction sector continues to prioritise sustainability, each component of healthcare buildings plays a pivotal role in the overall building’s environmental performance.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the most prominent and widely used environmental accreditation systems in the UK. While energy systems and water usage often take centre stage, FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment) has a significant impact on BREEAM targets.
In this blog, we will discuss how sustainable FF&E can support achieving BREEAM certified projects.
EPD-certified Products
EPD-certified products (Environmental Product Declarations) provide verified and transparent data about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle.
This directly supports several BREEAM criteria that assess material sustainability, carbon performance and lifecycle efficiency.
Summary Table: EPDs and BREEAM Alignment
| BREEAM Credit | How EPDs Help |
|---|---|
| Mat 01 – Lifecycle Impacts | EPD data used in whole-building LCA tools |
| Mat 02 – EPDs | Credits for each product/material with a valid EPD |
| Man 01 – Procurement | Supports evidence of responsible sourcing |
| Inn 01 – Innovation | Enables carbon tracking for bespoke sustainability credits |
| Mat 05 – Responsible Sourcing | EPDs show certified supply chain and transparent impacts |
Consequently, EPD-certified products bridge the gap between sustainability claims and verified performance.
Hygenius provide healthcare furniture, fixtures and equipment with a third-party verified EPD. You can learn more about our certification here.
Carbon-Optimised Material Choices
One of the most crucial contributors to embodied carbon calculations is material selection. It is becoming increasingly important under BREEAM’s lifecycle impact categories.
Through conducting a full Life Cycle Assessment, comparing materials and finishes, we found:
MFC (melamine-faced chipboard) emits around 6% less CO2 than equivalent MDF options.
12mm thermoformed acrylic solid surfaces have up to 16% less carbon emissions than 40mm laminated MDF worktops.
Responsible Sourcing & Local Manufacturing
Sustainable sourcing is a fundamental element needed to meet BREEAM’s requirements. At Hygenius, it is embedded in our supply chain:
All timber-based products use FSC certified wood, ensuring responsible forestry practises.
Hygenius have manufacturing facilities throughout the UK. This brings many benefits including reduced transport emissions and helping support local economies and communities.
These practises align with BREEAM credits in ‘Responsible Sourcing of Materials’ and ‘Transportation Impact.’
Durability & Lifespan
Lets take a look at how FF&E can help meet BREEAM goals under sections ‘Durability & Maintenance’, ‘Material Efficiency’ and ‘Health & Wellbeing’.
Healthcare facilities are high-traffic environments that require maximum durability and infection control. Hygenius FF&E supports effective infection prevention and control protocols through:
- Seamless, easy-to-clean surfaces – thermoformed solid surfaces are non-porous allow for frequent deep cleaning without degradation
- Coved & sealed joints – Seamless coved joints between vertical and horizontal surfaces remove dirt traps
- Ceiling infill panels – prevents dust accumulating and storage on top of units
- Enclosed Drawers – reduces risk of dirt and fluid ingress. Makes drawers easy to clean
- Waterfall edge design – This edge detail on worktops prevent liquids spilling on the floor
- Sealed Plinths – stops debris and bacterial collecting under furniture units
Durability is essential for increasing furniture lifespan. This is achieved through:
- High-quality materials – FSC certified materials provide strength and structure integrity. Materials are selected for resistance to warping and swelling.
- Robust construction – Heavy-duty fixings, hingers and runners increase performance and lifecycle
Summary: Helping you achieve BREEAM targets
Sustainable FF&E can help you support BREEAM certification in many ways. 4 main areas where this can be achieved are:
- EPD-certification
- Carbon-Optimised Material Choices
- Responsible Sourcing & Local Manufacturing
- Durability & Lifespan
Hygenius FF&E can help you achieve your BREEAM certification in the following key areas:
| BREEAM Category | How Hygenius FF&E Supports It |
|---|---|
| Lifecycle Assessment | Verified EPD data to inform LCA modelling |
| Responsible Sourcing | FSC-certified materials and local manufacturing |
| Low-Carbon Materials | Material choices with reduced embodied carbon |
| Durability & Maintenance | Built-in hygiene features that extend lifecycle |
| Health & Wellbeing | Easy-clean surfaces reduce infection and maintenance requirements |
| Innovation | Upcoming LCA tool for proactive carbon modelling |
Together, we can make safer places for safer people – and a healthier planet.
Our Sustainability Journey
From EPD certification to our Carbon Reduction plan, learn more about sustainable healthcare FF&E below.
